U.S. Department of Agriculture: Conservation Innovation Grants

Deadline: January 9, 2017

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that stimulate the development and adoption of innovative approaches and technologies for conservation on agricultural lands. CIG uses Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or nongovernmental organizations, American Indian tribes, or individuals. Producers involved in CIG funded projects must be EQIP eligible.

Through CIG, the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partners with public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adopt promising technologies. These new technologies and approaches address some of the nation’s most pressing natural resources concerns. CIG benefits agricultural producers by providing more options for environmental enhancement and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.

Amount: $25,000,000 is available for grants of up to $2,000,000 each. The program will not fund more than 50% of the entire project cost.

Eligibility: Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, State or local units of government, non-governmental organizations, or individuals. Projects must involve producers who meet the EQIP eligibility requirements.